We're looking to kick on - Whiteman

Preston North End are ready to put behind them the disappointment of missing out on the Championship play-offs last season, says captain Ben Whiteman.

The Lilywhites were fourth in the table at the start of January but won only four of their final 20 games to finish 14th, 13 points short of the top six.

"I understand the fans' frustration and we're just as frustrated. Once you put yourself in that position in January you want to keep pushing on," Whiteman told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"Dan (Iversen - goalkeeper) was a massive loss when he got injured, but again not making excuses we weren't good enough over the piece. But it's gone, it's a new season now and we're looking to kick on.

"Since I've been at the football club the back end of the season has never been good enough, whether that's external or internal factors, it is disappointing but it's a fresh start and a season we're all looking forward to."

Preston made a statement of intent earlier this month when signing midfielder Alfie Devine from Tottenham for a club-record fee and Whiteman is pleased to have played a small part in encouraging him to make his loan move permanent.

"I kept in contact with Alfie over the summer as a bit of a sounding board for him," the 30-year-old added.

"You have a good season and there's a few clubs after you and you need that bit of guidance and that's what I tried to reiterate to him over the summer that coming back here he's loved by the players, fans and staff - once the finer details got sorted this was the only place he wanted to come to."

Preston start the new Championship season away at Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST).

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